Anyone else in Washington? (Seattle, Bellevue: job market, best schools, college)

[Bradmph]

Southern Cal... to here? LOL you better be prepared for quiet nights, friendly people, taking a drive and possibly not seeing anyone else(depending on the area), and scenery that belongs in National Geographic. This place is beautiful compared to CA and I lived in the Bay Area 36 years, "sigh"

[bjorker]

I live just north of Seattle. I'm suprised that there aren't more of you in this area! So far everyone is pretty spread out.

[sugarrush]

Originally Posted by compltlyme

I love San Diego... but come on.. would you walk around down town with a girlfriend alone at midnight? I think NOT! In Seattle there is a buzz.. a life and it feels safe to walk around. Not that we aren't careful but there are so many people out. I have to say... after living most of my life in So CA... I have seen the skys that dirty brown one too many times. Something I have yet to see here. If I could afford to go back to OB/Point Loma..over looking the ocean.. I would live there in a heart beat. It is home... but since I can't...there isn't a place I would rather be than here in WA.

compltlyme & teeandgee! I, too, am in San Diego looking to relocate in Washington. As of right now, we have are eyes set on Gig Harbor. But, I see a lot of buzz about Kent & Bellingham. My husbands office is on Vashon Island which he would visit twice a week and work from home the rest. So, we want to stay close to Vashon, but, not live there. Coming from SoCal, I am spoiled by the "convenience" of the shopping. But, I can deal with it. We have two children, ages 6 & 13 - so, activities (dance) and a good school system is important. Anything else we should know to prep for our possible move to wherever we decide on? THX!

[compltlyme]

Originally Posted by sugarrush

compltlyme & teeandgee! I, too, am in San Diego looking to relocate in Washington. As of right now, we have are eyes set on Gig Harbor. But, I see a lot of buzz about Kent & Bellingham. My husbands office is on Vashon Island which he would visit twice a week and work from home the rest. So, we want to stay close to Vashon, but, not live there. Coming from SoCal, I am spoiled by the "convenience" of the shopping. But, I can deal with it. We have two children, ages 6 & 13 - so, activities (dance) and a good school system is important. Anything else we should know to prep for our possible move to wherever we decide on? THX!

Bellingham is pretty far from Vashon...Even if only a couple of days a week. If you like amenities... I would stay closer to Seattle. I live on the Eastside on the Plateau.. about 25 min from down town Seattle and I love it. Close to everything but far enough to feel out in the wilderness. Do you wan to live near the ocean? Or is inland good? Lake Washington School District and Issaquah School District have really great schools and Issaquah is a great family area. Have you looked into that area? About half way from the city to the mountains. You can jump in the car and head to a down town event or skiing in the mountains and be in either place in less than 30. Traffic is a bit nasty but nothing like on the mess between the 805, 15 & 8 duing that morning or afternoon commute!

I am actually heading down to your area in a week or so and already am trying to plan around traffic!!!

[sugarrush]

There isn't a lot of talk about Gig Harbor. Is there something I should know before moving there?

[compltlyme]

Perhaps with less than 7000 people living there, there isn't enough people on here to tell you about it. Seems to be a nice place. A bit "touristy." I don't have any more info than what you can find online. Sorry.

[strattonfarms]

I live in LaCenter, Wa, always have! Nice and close to Portland, only a few hours from beaches and Mt. Hood. Nice area to raise a family, only about 30 minutes from Portland, and a couple hours away from the beaches and Mts.

[domesengr]

Hi, I live in the foothills of central California. My family and I are planning on moving to the Olympia area within the next 6 months. We are looking for affordable (yet nice) housing on 1 to 5 acres of land, good schools, friendly people, shopping within 15 minutes, and lots of greenery. My husband is focusing his job search in Olympia and Tumwater and can handle a commute of up to 45 minutes. We found a home in Montesano that sounds very appealing. Does anyone have any feedback on the Montesano area? Or perhaps a suggestion of a better area... Thanks!

[qwiet]

I dont miss Ca AT ALL moved to Vancouver Wa area 6 years ago and wouldnt go back to CA

[Monte]

Hi everyone,
I have loved Seattle for over ten years, but I am looking to relocate somewhere sunnier. I'm considering Austin TX, Tucson AZ, San Diego CA, Atlanta GA, & Miami FL. If anyone has personal experience of those towns, I am all ears.

In the past, I have lived in Chicago, IL, and Palm Springs, CA. I do a lot of research before choosing a new home town. I've shared my research and thoughts at:
http://rootlet.blogspot.com

Next step is to meet some people in some of these cities, and fly to visit.
Best Regards,
Monte